What kind of wine is Marsala Vergine Riserva Secco DOC 'Vintage' 1980 - Heritage, Francesco Intorcia?
The Marsala Vergine Riserva Secco DOC 'Vintage' 1980 - Heritage by Francesco Intorcia is a Sicilian fortified wine of great personality, the result of an ancient winemaking tradition handed down for generations. It is a Marsala Vergine Secco, meaning a type of fortified wine obtained by adding alcohol during fermentation, developed to last over time and acquire complexity. With a higher alcohol content than still wines (around 19-20 degrees), this Marsala offers a significant structure and an extraordinary aromatic depth.Vintage details
The 1980 vintage represents a historical moment for the Intorcia family's production. The grapes used — mainly from indigenous varieties such as Grillo — were harvested manually in a warm and dry year, ideal for wines with long evolution. The result is a dry, elegant Marsala, with a distinct aromatic cleanliness and a mature and harmonious profile.Winemaking and aging
The Marsala Vergine Riserva Secco DOC 'Vintage' 1980 - Heritage is born from the traditional vinification of Grillo grapes, followed by a fortification process that stops fermentation, maintaining a balance between alcohol and structure. Subsequently, the wine matures for a full thirty-five years in oak barrels, where oxygen and wood contribute to enriching it with evolved and complex notes. This long barrel aging imparts unique aromas and sensations, an authentic expression of the highest level of Marsala Vergine.Tasting Notes
Color
It presents an intense amber color with golden and coppery reflections, a clear sign of a long and natural maturation. The brilliance in the glass anticipates the richness and complexity of the wine.Nose
The nose releases a deep and seductive bouquet: notes of dried fruit, toasted hazelnut, bitter honey, and hints of leather and Mediterranean aromatic herbs. The oxidation in the barrel has given evolved aromas, but perfectly balanced by a surprising freshness.Taste
On the palate it is dry, decisive, enveloping. Smooth tannins and saline persistence lead to a very long finish, with returns of sweet spices and almond. It is a wine to be sipped slowly, capable of revealing different nuances with each taste.What dishes to pair with Marsala Vergine Riserva Secco DOC 'Vintage' 1980 - Heritage, Francesco Intorcia
Thanks to its structure and dry profile, this Marsala Vergine Riserva lends itself to numerous pairings, both as a meditation wine and as a star at the table. Ideal with:- aged and flavorful cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or aged Pecorino
- smoked fish dishes, especially salmon or marinated tuna
- white meats or dishes with an aromatic brown sauce
- dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa, for an elegant contrast
Storage and aging – how to store Marsala Vergine Riserva Secco DOC 'Vintage' 1980 - Heritage, Francesco Intorcia wine
Thanks to its high alcohol content and long maturation period in wood, the Marsala Vergine Riserva Secco DOC 'Vintage' 1980 - Heritage is a naturally stable and long-lived wine. To store it best:- keep the bottle upright, away from heat sources and direct light
- maintain a constant temperature between 12 and 18°C
- once opened, it can be kept for several weeks if well resealed and stored in a cool place
Francesco Intorcia
The history of the Francesco Intorcia winery The Francesco Intorcia winery represents a fascinating journey into the heart of Sicilian winemaking tradition. Founded several decades ago, its wines tell a story of family heritage and passion for viticulture. The company has maintained and strengthe...
How to best open and serve Marsala Vergine Riserva Secco DOC 'Vintage' 1980 - Heritage, Francesco Intorcia
1. Bottle positioning
To fully appreciate a wine as precious as Marsala Vergine Riserva Secco DOC 'Vintage' 1980 - Heritage, Francesco Intorcia, it is essential to handle the bottle with care. If it has been stored horizontally, place it upright at least 24 hours before opening. This will allow any sediment to settle at the bottom, preventing it from mixing with the wine during serving.
2. Ideal serving temperature
This Marsala Vergine expresses the best of its complex notes between 16°C and 18°C. Bring the bottle to room temperature gradually, avoiding sudden changes that could alter the aroma. If necessary, immerse it for a few minutes in a bucket of cool water, never with ice.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or long-screw corkscrew to avoid breaking the cork, which is often more fragile in vintage wines. Proceed slowly and gently:
- Remove the capsule, cleaning the neck of the bottle with a dry cloth.
- Insert the corkscrew screw into the center of the cork and twist slowly.
- Extract the cork with a controlled motion, avoiding sudden jerks.
In the presence of small cork residues or tartaric crystals, filter the first pour with a fine-mesh strainer or enological gauze.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, carefully observe the color and clarity of the wine in a clear glass. The Marsala Vergine Riserva Secco DOC 'Vintage' 1980 - Heritage, Francesco Intorcia should show intense and brilliant amber tones. Smell the wine to assess any defects: oxidative notes are typical, but they must remain harmonious. If everything is in order, proceed with a small sip to confirm the quality.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Although Marsala Vergine wines are oxidative by nature, a light decanting can enhance their most elegant nuances. Slowly pour the wine into a carafe or decanter:
- Stop pouring when you notice the first sediments in the neck of the bottle.
- Allow the wine to oxygenate for approximately 30 minutes in a quiet and dry environment.
This oxygenation time will help the wine open up completely, revealing all its notes of dried fruit, noble woods, and spices.
6. Serving
Serve Marsala Vergine Riserva Secco DOC 'Vintage' 1980 - Heritage, Francesco Intorcia in medium-sized white wine glasses to allow for good aromatic concentration. Pour slowly to avoid disturbing any residual sediment. Ideal to enjoy neat or paired with:
- aged and spicy cheeses;
- foie gras or pâtés;
- desserts based on dried fruit or dark chocolate.
7. Storage after opening
After tasting, re-cork the bottle with the original cork or an airtight stopper. Store it in a cool, dark place, preferably at a constant temperature. A wine like Marsala Vergine Riserva Secco DOC 'Vintage' 1980 - Heritage, Francesco Intorcia can maintain its characteristics for several weeks after opening, thanks to its structure and high alcohol content.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy an authentic tasting experience, enhancing every nuance of this extraordinary Sicilian vintage Marsala.